Mr. Goddard took no notice of the remark. He was staring out of a small window which commanded a view of the road.
“What the——” said Captain Fielding again.
Mr. Goddard turned suddenly.
“Fielding,” he said, “jump on your bicycle and ride like hell to my house. Don’t lose a moment. Get a hold of my housekeeper, and tell her that if any lady calls she’s to say I’ve gone away on leave and won’t be back for six weeks. Don’t stop to ask questions. I’ll explain it all to you when you get back.”
He pushed Captain Fielding out of the pavilion.
“You’ll be in time,” he said, “if only you’ll go. Thank goodness my house is at the far end of the town.”
Captain Fielding did as he was told. He rode fast, because he was most anxious to hear Mr. Goddard’s explanation as soon as possible. He delivered his message to the housekeeper, and then rode back.
“Did you pass a girl walking along the road?” said Mr. Goddard.
“I did; a pretty girl in a grey dress, a stranger.”